Side Table, Portugal, third-quarter, 18th century
A sophisticated solid rosewood side table, dating from the third-quarter of the 18th century. Of dark brown densely patterned timbers, enhanced by mellow honey coloured shades, this exceptional table is evidence of the careful selection of raw materials, masterly technical control and coherence of design that characterise the best Portuguese furniture dating from the reign of King José I (1750-1777). The virtuous undulating structure is also successfully defined by the elegant balance that highlights its plastic characteristics, as well as the undisputed quality of the Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) timbers.
The table top, of plain peripheral moulding and sinuous movement, is matched by the undulating movement of the case, to which it is fixed by pegs in the same timber.The two identical front drawers, of Brazilian mahogany structures, are decorated by stepped concave and convex moulding and gilt bronze foliage handles, which, albeit of being of later casting comparatively to the table, match and complement the third-quarter of the 18th century rigorous aesthetic ideals that define the structure.
The elegant profile that accompanies the peripheral length of the apron is framed by delicate shaped frieze that fully extends along the cabriole shaped legs terminating in foliage pipe shaped feet. Both the front and lateral aprons are defined by virtuous deep carved decorative motifs of excellent technical control and strong visual impact, forming foliage curve and counter curve scrolls that reinforce the table’s contained decorative exuberance.
Side tables are charismatic 18th century pieces of furniture and a typology that was much favoured in Portugal. They are somewhat hybrid creations related to both the consoles and the commodes.
Canti, Tilde, O Móvel no Brasil, Origens, Evolução e Características, Candido Guinle de Paula Machado, 1985
Freire, Fernanda Castro, 50 dos Melhores Móveis Portugueses, Chaves Ferreira – Publicações, S.A., 1995
Freire, Fernanda Castro, Mobiliário II, Lisboa, Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva, 2002
A sophisticated solid rosewood side table, dating from the third-quarter of the 18th century. Of dark brown densely patterned timbers, enhanced by mellow honey coloured shades, this exceptional table is evidence of the careful selection of raw materials, masterly technical control and coherence of design that characterise the best Portuguese furniture dating from the reign of King José I (1750-1777). The virtuous undulating structure is also successfully defined by the elegant balance that highlights its plastic characteristics, as well as the undisputed quality of the Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) timbers.
The table top, of plain peripheral moulding and sinuous movement, is matched by the undulating movement of the case, to which it is fixed by pegs in the same timber.The two identical front drawers, of Brazilian mahogany structures, are decorated by stepped concave and convex moulding and gilt bronze foliage handles, which, albeit of being of later casting comparatively to the table, match and complement the third-quarter of the 18th century rigorous aesthetic ideals that define the structure.
The elegant profile that accompanies the peripheral length of the apron is framed by delicate shaped frieze that fully extends along the cabriole shaped legs terminating in foliage pipe shaped feet. Both the front and lateral aprons are defined by virtuous deep carved decorative motifs of excellent technical control and strong visual impact, forming foliage curve and counter curve scrolls that reinforce the table’s contained decorative exuberance.
Side tables are charismatic 18th century pieces of furniture and a typology that was much favoured in Portugal. They are somewhat hybrid creations related to both the consoles and the commodes.
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